“No. We wouldn’t want to risk a food shortage. There are too many hungry people. Thankfully, there are other ways to address the problem. First, we need to encourage what’s called precision farming. It involves using the right type of fertilizers and controlling the timing of their use. There are also specific practices for soil health to reduce runoff that contaminates bodies of water. In addition, it’s important to use efficient irrigation and manage livestock waste. Natural buffers such as trees and strips of grass placed between the crops and water can help. The plants act as filters to remove pollutants.”
“Is the Foundation’s goal to educate the farmers to make these changes?”
“That’s part of it. Dad made the movie to bring awareness to the general public. Once they understand the problem, we hope they will demand that the government and farmers take action to protect the water. Our concern is that the farmers won’t, or can’t afford to, make the necessary changes without external pressure and financial assistance. That’s why the Foundation decided to take the issue directly to the public.”
“That makes sense. How do you know so much about the issue if you don’t work with the Foundation?”
Ahh. I like that she’s turning things back to a more personal level. If she’s testing whether I’m a client, it must mean that she’s still interested in me. Hopefully, I can reassure her without mucking it up this time.
“Believe me, you can’t spend much time with my family without gaining a detailed understanding. And once you learn more about the issues, you can’t forget. You see, this problem goes beyond just affecting the water. For example, the contaminated water in turn contaminates the fish. Then we eat the fish and consume the harmful chemicals. When my dad firstlearned about the issue, he became almost obsessed with finding a solution. Eventually, he teamed up with others and formed the Foundation to address it on a larger scale.”
“I had no idea. I bet most people don’t. Most of us think the only issues are pollution from chemical plants or oil spills. The movie will be a great way to educate everyone about the problem.”
“Let’s hope it works and that our PR firm does a good job.”
“I’m sure they will. Like I said, it’s one of the best firms in LA. Am I correct that the first fundraising event is a luncheon in Beverly Hills tomorrow?”
“That’s correct. I hope you’ll be attending.”
I’m hopeful but trying to appear nonchalant. Of course, the Foundation can insist she attend. I’d rather know that she wants to be there.
“I will. My law firm has assigned me to this charity project full time.”
That’s not exactly the answer I’d hoped for, but it will do for now, so I smile enthusiastically.
“Excellent. It sounds like we’ll be spending quite a bit of time together. I’d love to know more about you. All I know so far is that you loathe confined spaces, need to up your tolerance to good whiskey, and give the best kisses. What else should I know?”
Even I can hear the brightness in my voice.
“Maybe you can forget those things, and we can start over. I’m 27. It’s my third year at the law firm where I specialize in corporate deals. I’m relentless about following rules, so drinking whiskey and kissing a client aresonot me. I can’t do things like that if I’m going to achieve my goal of becoming a partner in the firm.”
“You’re ambitious and focused. That’s impressive. Tell me more about yourself.”
“That’s enough about me for now. May I ask you a somewhat personal question?”
“Of course. What would you like to know?”
“What’s it like to grow up as a viscount?”
“I’m not sure there’s a simple answer. My obligations to my family and the Crown were dictated at my birth. I will be Earl of Sandridge one day, regardless of whether that’s what I would have chosen. Because of that, there are many formal protocols that I learned from an early age, specific schools I was expected to attend, and even boundaries on friendships to some extent. The upside is that those limitations come with financial stability without the need for a traditional job.”
“What about marriage? I thought all royals and nobles had arranged marriages by the time they’re your age.”
“These days, we’re waiting longer to marry. Still, there’s always pressure from our families to wed and producean heir and a spareas they say. Is there someone special in your life?”
“Definitely not. Since I started this job, there hasn’t been time for much fun or a real relationship. It doesn’t really matter though. The only people I meet are related to work. And experience has taught me not to mix business and pleasure. So, at this point, I’m rather boring.”
She shrugs as if she doesn’t care that her life is missing excitement. The sad hollowness in her eyes says otherwise.
“Brooke, something tells me that under your professional exterior, you’re not boring at all.”
A wistful look crosses her face. “There was a time you would’ve been right, but enough of that. Back to business. Your dad must be incredibly disappointed to miss the premiere. It sounds like the movie is a passion project for him.”
“It is. I promised to send him photos and videos of the events so he can feel like he’s here.”
“I can help with that if you’d like. I’ll be at all the events this week—that is, if you want me to be.”
“That would be great. Let’s start with drinks and dinner tonight.”
